Grub control is something many homeowners have to deal with as part of their lawn care. Lawn grubs are the larval form of insects like Japanese beetles and scarab beetles, and a naturally occurring part of the ecosystem. However, when there are too many, they can cause serious damage to your lawn.
If you’ve noticed more than a few grubs in your outdoor space, it might be time to find a grub control method. There are several ways to control grubs and handle even a serious lawn grub infestation without harsh chemicals.
Beneficial nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic parasites that invade and kill grubs. They’re a naturally occurring part of your backyard ecosystem, but introducing more of them to a grub infestation can help significantly.
Unfortunately, this method takes a long time to work. Since the nematodes don’t remove the grubs immediately, treating your lawn with them can take over a year to achieve full results.
Milky spore
Milky spore is a type of bacteria that’s harmless to humans and animals, but deadly to Japanese beetle grubs. It comes in a powder form you can sprinkle onto your lawn. Using milky spore as a grub control method is simple, but like with beneficial nematodes, it can take a long time to show its full effectiveness.
Drying grass
Lawn grubs can’t survive in dry conditions. If you allow your lawn to dry out for a few weeks, it will make the soil inhospitable for the pests. Lack of moisture will prevent eggs from hatching and prevent future grub damage. While intentionally drying out your lawn might sound risky, most types of grass bounce back easily once you return to your normal watering routine.
If you need a more immediate form of grub control, chemical methods might be the best option. There are special pesticides available to kill grubs at different life stages, and some that can prevent future grub generations. If you’re not sure which method is best for your situation, consult a landscaping or pest control expert for advice.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.